Cataldo said Dejohn has admitted his involvement in the murder of Kimberly Dejohn — a mother of three. She was strangled, according to an autopsy report.

Loyd DeJohn’s grandmother, Nettie Schwartz, rests her head on the shoulder of Dawn Hyslip, the victim’s sister. (credit: Mike Campbell/WWJ)

Defense attorney TimBarkovic said Dejohn, who’s also charged with disinterment of a body and aggravated domestic violence, maintains his innocence.

In and outside the courtroom, family members on both sides hugged and supported each other, WWJ Newsradio 950’s Mike Campbell reported.

Among them was Loyd DeJohn’s mother, Ann Johnson, who said it’s hard to believe he’s charged with murder.

She suggested that perhaps her son has a “medical condition.” She said a metal plate put in his head after a childhood accident may have been hit during a fight with his wife, causing him to “go a little off kilter.”

Johnson also suggested another potential problem.

“I know he was messing with drugs, but I know he’s off now because of where he’s at,” Johnson said.

Loyd DeJohn’s grandmother, Nettie Schwartz, rested her head on the shoulder of Dawn Hyslip, the victim’s sister.

Schwartz owns the Cheboygan owns property on which Kimberly Dejohn’s body was found.

“They broke both our hearts,” Schwartz said.

Does she have any idea what happened?

“I think it was family argument,” she said. “It just went too far.”

“We’re all confused, and we’re all trying to just…hold on to one another right now,” added Hyslip.

Dejohn remains held on $1 million bond. He’s due back in court on Aug. 28.

They call me an anchor-reporter; I prefer “Paid Informant" with 30 years in the biz, starting as News Director in Ludington, then Mt. Clemens and at an FM station in Detroit before landing at WWJ in 1987.
I report from the scene Tuesday through...